If you’re reading this post right now, it’s probably for one of two reasons: 1) You’ve been waiting patiently for me to finally write something for this blog. Or 2) You’re a serial procrastinator and your own worst enemy, like myself.

I thought it was only fitting for my first blog post to be about starting because it’s something I struggle with every day. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t start my day until twelve in the afternoon. I’m not a morning person. No, I’m more of a get out of bed, brush my teeth, shower, and eat before crawling back into bed kind of person. No lie.

Now, just imagine my predicament. If I can’t even motivate myself to get out of my (warm, comfy) bed in the morning, how could I possibly motivate myself to write for this blog?

Well, here’s the shocker. I’m doing it. Right now. I’m writing. I might be anxious and a little fearful of the outcome of it all, but I’m doing it.

I think that gives me at least onequalification to teach someone else how to start something, and that something could be anything!

A blog, a project, a business, a hobby…Literally anything you could possibly think of.

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the fence between “rational thinking” and taking a leap of faith. Other people’s opinions are always on the forefront of your mind. Every time you try to start something, your brain sabotages you. You start to hear things in your head like:

I want to dispel all those negative thoughts from your mind right now with just one sentence.

If you ever spend time doing something that you love to do, you will never waste a second of your life.

As a matter of fact, you’ll add time to your life. When you’re immersed in your passion and your calling, time escapes you. As opposed to when you’re working out of obligation and every second passes like an hour.

It’s awful, isn’t it? Living like that is so boring. It’s a life of survival with little moments of joy and excitement sprinkled in between. As human beings raised up in a society that promotes fitting in and going with the grain, thinking outside of the box just feels like walking blindfolded off the edge of a cliff. It’s scary. It’s terrifying.

But there’s just something about beginning that puts all those fears to rest. The moment you start, everything falls into place. Everything feels right.

I guess by now you’re wondering how to overcome those fears. While I may not be an expert or a life coach, these are the methods worked best for me.

Equip Yourself

If you would like to be an artist, buy a sketchbook. If you’d like to be a writer, buy a notebook. If you want to be anything, equip yourself with the materials you will need to begin.

Seek Encouragement

One of the biggest obstacles you’ll face as a creative is doubt. Whether it’s your own crippling self-doubt or doubt from others, a word of encouragement from someone who is excited to see your dream come to life will do wonders for your motivation.

Be Patient

It may take days, months or even years to crack open that sketchbook you bought. That’s okay! What matters is that you’ve done it. As creatives, there’s always a part of our soul that’s naturally inclined to answer our calling, but there’s no deadline. You either answer, or you don’t. If you do decide to answer it, pat yourself on the back. You’ve made it this far.

Seek Your Center

In those rare moments when your life quiets down and it seems like everything is at a standstill, that is when you should begin. You have the power to turn that singular moment into an entire world where your mind can flourish. Instead of putting your dreams off, instead of opening Netflix or Hulu to bide your time until the next obligation arises, BEGIN.

This might not be the most in-depth or complex tutorial on how to start creating, but that’s because pursuing your dreams should never be complicated.

It should be as simple as breathing. As simple as reading this post and choosing when to start.